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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Meg

"She teaches to the capabilities of the student (however good or not so good they are playing that particular day), is encouraging, very professional, yet

personable. My daughter looks forward to her lessons and I look like a hero for finding such a good online teacher. :>) As I had hoped, this beats the heck out of dealing with a local teacher's schedule, dealing with driving traffic and having to find some way to kill 45-60 minutes while I wait on her to finish a lesson locally. 5 Stars for our new friend up North!"

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Yulia B.

Review by Alice

"Learn something new, good experience."

Chicago, IL teacher:
Ryan B.

Review by Elizabeth

"Truly "wonderful"

My two children, an 8 year old boy and 6 year old girl, have been taking paino lessons from Farobag since March 2013. We weren't sure h

ow my son, being all about typical "boy" things would be with paino lessons, however, he has done amazing. I was raised with piano, in that it helps to further coordinate the brains development and how it processes information generally speaking. I can only say that my children cannot appear to take their shoes off as quick as they'd like at the start of each piano lesson. I wanted to find a teacher who would be able to truly reach and further develop my children's musical apptitude to learning. Farobag has truly done that. I almost hesitate to share this information, because my husband and I feel like Farobag is our little secret, that if word gets out we won't be able to get lessons when we want them. However, it is that which we know other parents would love to find for their children and adults. I know he teaches other instruments as well. As a Mom, I truly couldn't be happier. My husband, not having the same upbringing I did with music, wasn't quite sure about piano lessons. However, even he is truly amazed at how much they have learned as well as how eager they are to deomonstrate it. He has seen how much of a benefit it has been for our children."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Farobag C.

Review by Campbell

"Sebastian is so great with both my kids. They really enjoy their lessons and are totally motivated to practice. I would highly recommend him to anyone c

onsidering music lessons."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Sebastian A.

Review by Stephanie

"Very knowledgeable, extremely patient and works well with teens. Recommend!"

Chicago, IL teacher:
Penny R.

Review by Jonathon

"Before taking lessons with Kelly I had been trying to learn to sing on my own for 3 years. In one month I had made an exponential leap in ability to sing

on all levels. Breathing, tone, pitch, projection and then some. Not only vocally but Kelly has been amazingly positive and supporting in my life overall. She makes it very easy to learn with her and breaks down techniques with examples. Wouldn't want to learn with anyone else."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Kelly G.

Review by Scot

"At age 45 I have been trying to learn the guitar off and on since I was 9 with no true success. that being said I found Jon and can honestly say that ever

y time I leave lessons I feel that this is finally the time I will learn. Jon is extremely patient and informative willing to answer all questions and take the time to help you master not only the instrument but also the theory and practical application. Its more than just scales and chords its confidence and skill. Honesty and Commitment are the 2 best words to define Jon. I would recommend Jon Kapity Guitar academy to any wanting to learn how to play."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Jon K.

Review by Gioia Beukenkamp

"Brittany is amazing. She clearly is a talented musician as well as she is amazing with kids. My kids were very excited to be taught by her and greatly loo

k forward to their lessons."

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Brittany N.

Review by Chris "Bean"

"Great drummer, great teacher, geat performer!

I have had the privilege to perform with Derrick many times in many different venues, performing many diffe

rent styles of music. Derrick is a professional who understands the role that drums and percussion play in creating an outstanding ensemble performance. He approaches each performance with musicality, not just drumming. Derrick also possesses the ability to articulate what he has learned and can demonstrate his techniques in a way that is easy to understand. When I perform with Derrick, I always come away with something new to try on my own."

About Kristin A.

About Kristin

Let's get you started on your musical path! My name is Kristin, and I cannot wait to begin this journey into music with you. I have been teaching private lessons for nearly a decade, and have taught music and choir in the classroom since 2011. I specialize in working with beginners of all ages.

Music has been my passion for my entire life. From singing to playing in band and everything in between, I ultimately achieved my degree in Music Education. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in the top ten of my class from VanderCook College of Music.

...

Reviews

Hsiang-Ming February 17, 2018·Piano·In home

Kristin is a great teacher. She is professional and have patience in teaching little kids. She also has excellent teaching techniques and the ability to motivate. My eight-year-old developed a love of music after taking a few month of piano lessons with her and improved significantly since she would practice every day on her own.

Jason M. February 15, 2018·Piano·In studio

Kristin has worked with my granddaughter for over a year and has done a wonderful job. She is patient with my young granddaughter and teaches her theory as well as how to play the piano. Kristin has also help my granddaughter learn hymns to play at church on special occasions. My granddaughter really looks forward to her lessons with kristin.

Rachel Urquhart June 7, 2016·Piano·In home

Kristin is a great teacher for my daughter! Lenna started lessons at five and had very little attention span, bit Kristin is able to keep her focused through the lesson, and I'm amazed at how far Lenna has come in just six months of lessons.

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Kristin A.

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Kristin A.

Willowbrook, IL 60527

(11)

starting at

$36
/ 30-min

About Randi R.

About Randi

I'm recent transplant from NYC and I am so excited to bring the kind of teaching I did there to people here in Chicago.

I've worked at some of the most prestigious institutions teaching guitar (The Dalton School, 92nd St Y, NYC Guitar School -- this last location, I taught both children and adults), as well as established a private clientele of wonderful students with whom I developed strong relationships over the last eight years.

As a musician, I have released three full-length albums and two EPs. I have toured the U.S. and Europe. I've opened for some of the bigger indie-rock acts out there and played some prestigious festivals (Milwaukee Summer Festival and the Truck Festival, both US & UK). I am also a visual artist with a studio here in the city.

While pursuing a career in music, I fell into teaching... and then I fell in

love with teaching. I realized that I have a gift that goes beyond making music and that I have a need to share it with others. I love giving encouragement and support to those who want to learn. I have patience and a sense of humor that just seems to connect very well with kids. And even adults appreciate my laid-back approach.

Becoming a teacher was a gift that I did not expect in life, and once I experienced the difference it made in the lives of others, I was pleasantly surprised and grateful for the difference it has made in mine.

*** Lesson Details ***My approach comes from a singer-songwriter perspective by playing songs students like, they stay interested and motivated, which is the most important part in making progress!

Creativity is highly encouraged in my lessons. Many of my students write their own songs while learning the basic tenets of guitar-playing, as well as some music theory along the way.

I do note-reading with children, in addition to them learning chords and playing the songs they want to learn. If adults want to learn note reading, I can accommodate that wish!

I'm laid back. I like my lessons to be easy-going and fun. That being said, I will be a stickler if your rhythm is not quite right or if you're making some awkward-looking chord shapes! If the lessons are enjoyable and two people in a room are connecting in a way that goes beyond music, then the student will be coming back with enthusiasm each week. When I taught at NYC Guitar School, I had one of the highest student retention rates for several years in a row.

My lessons are not super-conventional. They're based on the love and enjoyment of music. We can do scales, note-reading and more -- but my main goal is to make sure you are having fun and losing yourself in the moment of playing music. Even though I moved to Chicago nine months ago, I still have students and parents of students sending me audio clips of songs they're working on or writing. When I teach, I'm not just there to show up... you are getting much more than a regular guitar lesson when you work with me.

*** Studio Equipment ***You will have to bring your guitar to the Transistor location. Those who come to my Andersonville location do not need to bring a guitar.

*** Travel Equipment ***N/A

*** Specialties ***I mostly teach rock, pop, folk, country and blues. My method comes from students learning songs that they like so that they stay motivated.

...

Reviews

Jeannine L. April 25, 2013·Guitar·

Randi is the best!

My son took lessons with Randi for four years in NYC (from ages 8-11). She catered the lessons to his musical tastes and fostered his love of music, performing and even practicing! She was well organized, well prepared and always reliable. As my son's ability improved, Randi kept him challenged and interested.

Don't hesitate to hire Randi! You won't regret it!

alissa N. March 23, 2013·Guitar·

Randi was a joy to have in our house

Our 9 year old daughter looked forward to her guitar lessons every week with Randi. She learned so much, so quickly, my husband and I were amazed. After only 3 months of working with Randi she performed in front of all Randi's students and families in a cafe. We were so proud of her, and she was fantastic, confident, and capable! We would recommend Randi unequivocally for guitar lessons. Good luck in Chicago Randi!!!

Kathryn F. March 23, 2013·Guitar·

Randi is a gem!

Randi is a fabulous guitar teacher and she had a stellar reputation in NYC. She has a great vibe and her students adore her.

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Randi R.

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Randi R.

Chicago, IL 60640

(6)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Sarah P.

About Sarah

Classically trained pianist and singer. When it comes to piano, I have over 20 years of training under my belt. Majority of my experience deals with classical and accompaniment but have also studied jazz and contemporary. In the way of singing, I am a classically trained singer who majored in Opera Performance in college. I have plenty of performance experience from being on the stage in operas and musical to performing with choirs and solo recitals. In voice lessons a student can choose to specialize in opera or if they were to take standard voice lessons, they could expect a wide variety of music focusing on multiple languages and genres including musical theater.

With every musician, Music Theory is crucial. All students will learn the basics of reading music and those who choose, can go beyond to learn the structure of music a

nd why music is the way it is with Music Theory lessons.

I am qualified to teach all levels of piano, opera, and voice.I take a real hands on, active approach to teaching, going beyond just the lesson books.

I am also able to offer tutoring services. I have been tutoring since high school. In high school as part of the National Honors Society, we were asked to tutor once a week and it continued into college when I decided to double major in Psychology taking an interest in adolescence psychology. My strong suits and reading and math but I am more than happy to help in any subject.

I do have dogs in the house so please be advised if you have allergies.

*** Lesson Details ***Our sessions will be laid back and easy going. I expect the students to do their work and practice and as long as they are showing progress, we can continue with a fun and relaxed atmosphere. I am patient with my students, and do my best to develop teaching methods unique to each student to give the best experience and set them up for the highest level of success. I don't push students to perfection but rather assist them in reaching their personal best. As long as they are having fun and learning, I know I am doing my job. Music is to be enjoyed and that is my goal with each student.

For voice and piano, students will learn a wide variety of music. I also believe strongly in the power of sight reading. Students will also learn music theory in their lessons. Piano students will follow a lesson book curriculum along with learning scales and sight reading. Voice students will sing from all major languages (English, French, Italian, and German) and practice sight reading skills.

Students should bring a notebook to lessons where notes will be taken on what we accomplished in our lessons and what needs to be worked on for the next lesson. This will usually include a theory sheet, technique work, and songs.

Twice a year I hold a recital where students get to show off to other students and family what they have accomplished in their lessons. With piano students, you will prepare and memorize usually one song. For voice students, you will prepare and memorize two songs, at least one will be in a foreign language.

*** Studio Equipment ***Lower level for studio, piano, seating for parents, on site computer for easy reference and music samples.

*** Specialties ***I have an Opera performance degree. I am a classically trained singer and pianist.

...

Reviews

Delila D. December 6, 2017·Piano·In home

Granddaughter liked her first lesson

Brian P. October 23, 2017·Piano·In studio

Good teacher.

Emese September 11, 2016·Piano·In studio

I find my lessons to go by very quickly, she is a great instructor and makes learning very enjoyable. I find her enthusiasm for piano to make me want to learn more and more each lesson!

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Sarah P.

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Sarah P.

Plainfield, IL 60586

(14)

starting at

$27
/ 30-min

About Steven B.

About Steven

I have been studying and performing music for 20+ years. After majoring in music at College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn IL, I went to step up my level of study at the Percussion Institute of Technology (P.I.T.) at Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA in 2001 attaining a Performance Certificate from my time studying there.

Moving back to Chicago after L.A. in 2002 proved to be the right move as this is when I began my teaching career. With 13+ years of private and group music instruction experience, I have worked with Hix Brothers Music, Naperville Music, Roselle Music, Streamwood Park District, Roselle Park District, Schaumburg Park District, After School Enrichment Solution's Guitar Stars, Band For Today, Guitar Fundamentals, Chicago Guitar Instruction, Schaumburg Music Academy, Music Makers of Western Springs, Clarendon Hills Music Ac

ademy, and also maintain a private clientele. Well into a thousand lessons taught, students have stayed with me for up to 7 years. You, the student, will gain all the experience I have gained from my 20 years of study, performance, and instruction.

Performing with various bands in the 2000's, I pinpointed my style and mastered my technique that gave me many performance opportunities regionally and nationally, noting most current act U2 tribute Vertigo USA.

I am co-founder of the music licensing production company Blue Shade Music, co-writing with astute musicians in the Chicago area for music libraries in Florida and California currently.

With national and international touring experience, I was featured in an exclusive interview for Online Drummer in August of 2011 sharing my knowledge and experience of music and drums.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to have a fun and educational time with you!

*** Lesson Details ***Practicing everyday with an occasional day off is very important in the student's progress. I always say 10 minutes is better than 0 minutes.

For DRUM lessons, the student can expect to learn:*to read music notation and music charts*to read drum notation*songs by real bands*timekeeping via a metronome*hand technique and foot technique*rudiments*all styles of music*double bass*drum grooves and drum fills*marching band/concert band material (if involved in school)

For PIANO lessons, the student can expect to learn:*to read music notation*to read music charts/lead sheets*music theory*intervals*chords and inversions*chord progressions*scales*fingering*styles of blues, jazz, pop, rock, and traditional*songs you wish to learn

For GUITAR + BASS lessons, the student can expect to learn:*to learn to read music notation*to learn to read a music chart*music theory*scales*chords*chord progressions*fingering*styles of pop, rock, and blues*songs you wish to learn

*** Travel Equipment ***I provide no equipment. The student must have an acoustic or electric drum set, a practice pad, a music stand, a metronome, sticks, curriculum book(s), headphones, an acoustic or electric guitar, and an acoustic or electric piano.

**Travel available for in home lessons up to 15 miles pending location, scheduling, and availability. 2 weeks or more notice is required for discontinuation of lessons.**

...

Reviews

Caryn October 17, 2017·Guitar·In home

Steven is very patient with new beginners and explained things thoroughly. He gave me the necessary tools to practice on my own until our next lesson .

A.M. August 26, 2017·Drum·In studio

Steven was beyond helpful. He is always prepared and open to as many questions as you can think of. And if you don't fully understand the answer, he'll take the time to answer in different ways, so that you're on the same page. He was also very helpful in setting up the lesson times and locations.

It was my first time trying the drums and I didn't have a drum set yet. Steven took the time to sit down with me and discuss which drum sets were good for the price.

Overall, this was a great experience!

Melanee J. October 9, 2016·Guitar·In home

I'm a true challenge since I am very green with little music capability. Great introduction with plenty to work on.

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Steven B.

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Steven B.

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

(19)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Ny Y.

About Ny

Hello ♥

Here to help you grow on your life's journey! My experience includes 15 years in professional and community theatre projects.

Educational Background: B.A in Psychology, minor in theatre, training at Second City in scene study and improv. Every day is a learning experience and another chance to follow my passions. Let's continue to grow together. Looking forward to getting to know you!

...

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Ny Y.

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Ny Y.

Chicago, IL 60610

starting at

$15
/ 30-min

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About Jeff J.

About Jeff

My Lessons are customized in a number of ways to create the ideal experience for each student and family.

• Curriculum adheres to student and parent generated long-term goals• Musical arrangements and accompaniments are created to accommodate individual interests • Students can learn a variety of skills such as improvisation, effective practice habits, music composition, and many others• Students have the option to explore multiple instruments.• Instruction accommodates different learning styles and strengths.

Much of today’s music is created or altered through digital means. For this reason students of all ages should consider exploring different ways to interact with digital music in their lessons such as:

These aspects of a lesson not only better prepare students for the likely future of music but it also makes lessons more exciting, creative, and fun!

...

Reviews

Inna January 22, 2018··

The best teacher ever. He is always prepared. He has very good teaching techniques. The Lessons are not boring, my 11 year old daughter loves the lessons. He is very professional instructor. He has a great personality as well. Even me, the students mother is enjoying the lessons. I would recommend him to everyone.

Pugal January 22, 2018·Flute·In home

Jeff teaches flute for my 10 year old daughter and recorder for my 6 year old son. Both of them enjoy his lessons and he is a very consistent and reliable teacher. I take piano lessons from him when I have some free time as well. Great teacher!

Karen January 18, 2018·Saxophone·In studio

Jeff Johnson is a phenomenal teacher. He's been giving my 13 year old saxophone lessons since the fall, and I've been very impressed with the improvement. He's working with him on both jazz and traditional music and I've seen a lot of growth in the quality of the sound and rhythm of the music. But even more importantly, I've seen a change in my son's attitude. He was thinking of quitting saxophone early in the school year, and now is practicing without being reminded, and wants to stay with it through high school.

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Jeff J.

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Jeff J.

Glenview, IL 60025

(7)

starting at

$27
/ 20-min

About Manuel R.

About Manuel

I am a guitar player who was born and raised in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Currently I am living in Chicago, Illinois. I am studying under renowned musician teacher such as Franco Nasi (Valencia, Venezuela), Steve Khan (New York, USA), Henry Johnson (Chicago, USA).

My father who is a bass player introduced me to music world at a very young age and my first professional gig was at age 12 in Venezuela.

Since then I have worked and toured in concert as well as gigs, recording sessions and master classes with diverse artists. I have been involved in several projects with renowned artists such as Francisco Quintero (With a whole album as a duo "Duet'), Santiago Bosch, Fernando Freitez, Gustavo Caruci, Victor Mestas, Pablo Gil, Andres Briceno, Benito Gonzalez, Olegario Diaz, Carlos 'nene' Quintero, Scott Mason, Paul Wertico, Roger Harris among

Manuel R.

Manuel R.

About Bill L.

About Bill

I have always been a self-studier in my entire life. Being able to learn with just books and your brain is a crucial skill to have! However, I know not everyone (and sometimes even myself) have the discipline and motivation to keep going during hard times. This is where a tutor would come in handy.

I enjoy tutoring and helping other overcome problems that I have encountered myself because it enhances my own understanding and makes me happy that my self-studying is helping others. Sometimes, my students even bring up alternative ways of thinking that I have never thought of before!

...

Reviews

Patrick December 21, 2017·Algebra 2·In studio

Bill's tutoring made a big difference in my child's math grades. He simplifies math concepts and reinforces good study techniques

Meg December 8, 2017·Piano·In home

I thought piano was going to be impossible to learn for me because I have bad hand-eye coordination. Somehow Bill is able to motivate me to work with me despite my slowness until I am able to start advancing on my own.

Margaret November 25, 2017·Violin·In home

Used to play a little violin when I was young and want to get back into it. Although I forgot almost everything, Bill made the transition really smooth and easy to understand. We also created a daily practice routine together and discussed how to practice without becoming frustrated.

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Bill L.

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Bill L.

Chicago, IL 60661

(12)

starting at

$28
/ 30-min

About Molly M.

About Molly

15 years ago, I started learning to play piano and began my life-long pursuit of music. This pursuit has led me in a wide variety of directions. Today, I am a doctoral student at Wheaton Graduate School, and enjoy playing and teaching piano in my free time.

I have a passion for a wide variety of styles of music. For several years, I played piano professionally for weddings, shows, and musicals. I have led worship for many churches in Michigan and Connecticut. During my time at Yale, I was president of an organization called Yale Musical Cure, in which I played piano at hospitals, hospices, and benefit concerts. At Yale, I also gained teaching experience, and have loved teaching students ever since.

My teaching style varies from student to student. Music is a wonderfully diverse subject and every student has her or his own aspirati

ons. I will do my best to cater each lesson to the student's goals and interests, whether that is classical, rock, jazz, folk, country, pop or anything in between.

Lessons will vary significantly from student to student. Not only does every student have different goals in mind, they all learn differently as well. I do my best to customize my lessons for each student's goals and needs. A typical piano lesson may involve music-reading, chord studies, technical work, scale practice, theory, and of course learning songs!

I am a flexible teacher and am excited to teach students to truly understand music and enjoy playing the piano. Please reach out if you have any questions or interest in taking lessons.

...

Reviews

Lindsey S. November 6, 2017·Piano·In home

Molly has been teaching my two children age 7 and 8 for almost 2 months. She is professional, kind, and patient.
I highly recommend her service.

Lindsey

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Molly M.

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Molly M.

Wheaton, IL 60187

(1)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Aaron S.

About Aaron

I am a professional opera singer with experience singing for top opera companies across the United States, including the Santa Fe Opera, Portland Opera, Florentine Opera, Chautauqua Opera, and Wolf Trap Opera. I hold voice performance degrees from Wichita State University and Manhattan School of Music in New York City. I have recently relocated to Chicago, and I am looking to teach all levels.

I have studied language diction extensively throughout my education, and am proficient with the proper pronunciation of English, Italian, German, and French in singing. I also have some experience with Russian and Spanish as well.

I have experience working with students of all ages, as anyone can learn how to sing and sing well! Everyone has a unique sound, and all it takes to bring that great sound out is good technique and proper breathing!

Don

't let performance anxiety or nerves get you down! I will do my best to help you improve your confidence in your voice and your stage presence. Feel free to reach out if you're interested, and I look forward to hearing from you!

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